Chemical Hygiene Plan

Plan Organization

This document is broken down into five sections:

Part I. Roles and Responsibilities: Contains specific roles and responsibilities for various stakeholders associated with the CHP. Also includes contact information for those who operate under the CHP as well as emergency contact information. In the event of an emergency, contact 911 for immediate emergency response.

Part II. Basic Laboratory Policies: Contains the basic, minimal information laboratory personnel need to know before using hazardous chemicals. It is designed to get laboratory personnel directly to the relevant information they need before beginning their laboratory work.

Part III. General Chemical Hygiene Practices: Outlines the minimum required precautions and standard operating procedures for working with laboratory chemicals. These practices address broad classes of chemicals, and include chemical hazard and risk assessment information.

Part IV. Department or Lab Specific Chemical Hygiene Practices: Contains information on standard operating procedures generated by individual labs for specialized materials, procedures, or practices.

Part V. Administrative Provisions: Includes EHS management, prior approval and procurement requirements, medical evaluations and assessments, record keeping, laboratory inspections and audits, compliance and enforcement, and other related federal regulations that impact chemical use.

Part I. Roles and Responsibilities

Chemical Hygiene Committee

The Chemical Hygiene Committee (CHC), the Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO), and the Environmental, Health, and Safety Office (EHS) is responsible to provide guidance and administrative oversight related to broad laboratory safety issues associated with TMCC laboratories. The CHC considers all environmental health and safety risks associated with TMCC laboratory activities that arise from chemical, biological, radiological, and physical hazards.

Members

• Lab Coordinator: Jennifer Stevens
  775-674-7916
  jstevens@tmcc.edu
• Laura Briggs: Biology
  775-673-7257
  lbriggs@tmcc.edu
• Benjamin Davis: EHS / CHO
  775-674-7951
  bendavis@tmcc.edu

The CHC is responsible for development of college policies and administrative oversight of laboratory activities. Specific responsibilities of the CHC include:

• Advise the TMCC Environmental, Health, and Safety Committee (EHS Committee) and the Dean of the Division of Sciences on matters related to chemical hygiene and laboratory safety;
• Develop, recommend, and oversee policies and procedures for management and reduction of laboratory risks throughout the College;
• Oversee EHS issues associated with laboratory operational, research, teaching, and testing activities;
• Make recommendations on facility design features, laboratory ventilation, utilities, equipment, and services necessary to conduct high quality laboratory teaching and research while minimizing risks. Both typical and atypical laboratory operations should be considered. Recommendations should include financial and operational responsibilities, including design, construction, purchase, installation, preventative maintenance and repair, and testing and calibration services;
• Advise and provide technical expertise on matters regarding laboratory safety to the Laboratory Safety Committee, Dean of the Division of Sciences, EHS staff, or other members of the college community;
• Conduct investigations of serious violations or operational problems, and make recommendations to EHS, EHS Committee, Dean of Division of Sciences, and other appropriate college administrators for the resolution of continued non-compliance or serious infractions; and
• Refuse, suspend, or cancel authorization to conduct laboratory activities when training and/or experience or laboratory facilities and equipment is deemed inadequate, or in the event of continued regulatory or policy non-compliance or serious infractions.

TMCC Environmental Health and Safety Committee

The TMCC EHS Committee, as promulgated under NRS 618.383 (b), evaluates potential health and safety issues communicated by members of various campus constituencies. Decisions related to communications should further the primary goal of providing a safe and healthful environment for faculty, staff, students, and the public, and reducing worker compensation injury claims. The EHS Committee will review and recommend actions necessary to improve safety standards and training requirements.

Environmental Health and Safety Office

The Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHS) is the administrative unit with the responsibility for development and implementation of TMCC environmental health and safety policies, and assist in the development of departmental specific training and procedures.

Chemical Hygiene Officer

The Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) as defined by the OSHA Laboratory Standard maintains the following responsibilities:

• Oversee the administration and implementation of the TMCC CHP;
• Serve as Chair of the Chemical Hygiene Committee;
• Assist laboratory supervisors in development and implementation of laboratory-specific operating procedures;
• Ensure laboratory assessments are conducted to ensure implementation of this program;
• Ensure activities related to the use of hazardous chemicals in laboratories are conducted in a safe manner;
• Ensure activities related to the use of hazardous chemicals in laboratories are conducted in compliance with state and federal regulations;
• Annual review of the TMCC CHP, more frequently if needed;
• Participate in the development and implementation of lab safety training; and
• Conduct periodic review of federal regulations and state requirements.

Laboratory Supervisors

Laboratory Supervisors are responsible for the health and safety of all personnel working in their laboratory (research labs and teaching labs). Laboratory supervisors are responsible for implementing the TMCC CHP in their lab(s) including:

• Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and specific laboratory safety training;
• Developing an emergency response plan for the Department that is compatible with the College Emergency Operations Plan (EOP);
• Participating in health and safety assessments of departmental laboratories;
• Reporting laboratory and environmental incidents (e.g., injuries, illnesses, fires, explosions, and spills / releases) to the EHS Office in a timely manner. Incidents requiring response should be immediately reported to University Police Services. Minor incidents not requiring immediate response should be reported by the next business day to the EHS Office. Departments are responsible for investigating the cause of each incident and providing a report of the investigation findings to the CHO. All witnesses, participants and visitors at the time of the incident should be recorded. Photographs of any injuries and the scene should be included with the report; and
• Informing the Facilities Services and/or the EHS Office of any unsafe conditions, including deficiencies in safety equipment and unsafe laboratory equipment. Anytime safety issues are submitted to and resolved by Facilities Services the EHS Office should be notified.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that all laboratory personnel receive documented training on the specific health and safety hazards to which they are potentially exposed and that personnel are competent to perform their assigned work. The training must include laboratory hazards, methods and procedures required to work safely in the laboratory, emergency response actions, and when and how to obtain medical treatment for workplace illness or injury;
• Developing and maintaining written SOPs that address health and safety concerns associated with laboratory operations that involve hazardous chemicals;
• Ensuring that Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and other sources of chemical hazard information are available to laboratory workers, and that workers know how to access this information;
• Communicate information regarding hazards and necessary safe work practices to authorized laboratory visitors including other laboratory personnel, maintenance workers, custodians, and vendors.
• Provide supervision of laboratory personnel at a level commensurate with the education, experience, and competence level of the personnel. In the event of an extended absence, the Laboratory Supervisor should arrange for a qualified alternate to provide supervision of laboratory operations;
• Ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) and any project-specific safety equipment are available, in proper working order;
• Implement and enforce preventative measures to control hazards and minimize risks to personnel. This includes complying with regulations, College and Departmental laboratory safety policies, and prudent laboratory safety practices.
• Promote environmental health by maintaining compliance with environmental regulations, including minimization and proper management of hazardous wastes, reduction of laboratory water and air effluent, and prudent management of hazardous materials inventories.
• Take active steps to identify laboratory safety deficiencies and ensure remediation. Such deficiencies include those identified during laboratory safety inspections. This policy also recommends that Laboratory Supervisors organize and conduct internal, documented, self-inspections at least twice each year. It is recommended that laboratory supervisors tailor checklists for specific activities and hazards.
• Ensure that any deficiencies in facility-associated safety equipment, including laboratory fume hoods, safety showers/eyewashes, fire extinguishers, and emergency egress lighting are reported to the Facilities Services for remediation.
• Ensure that laboratory-related injuries and emergency incidents and illnesses are reported to the EHS Office and the responsible Department Chair/Coordinator, and necessary forms are filed according to current policy.
• Participate and maintain the departmental Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)

Laboratory Workers

All laboratory workers are directly responsible for their own safety, as well as the safety of other laboratory workers, students, staff, and visitors. Unsafe acts performed by one individual can affect the safety and work productivity of others. Personnel who have health or safety concerns should contact their supervisor and/or EHS, and should not perform the work until they are confident their concerns have been adequately addressed.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Conducting all laboratory activities in accordance with the TMCC CHP and laboratory-specific standard operating procedures.
• Participating in required training.
• Utilizing engineering controls, safety equipment, and personal protective equipment in an appropriate manner.
• Informing the laboratory supervisor of any safety, health, or environmental incidents and unsafe conditions, including deficiencies in safety equipment.
• Wear appropriate eye protection at all times. At a minimum, safety glasses are required whenever operations involving chemicals are being performed.
• Minimize chemical exposure through consistent and proper use of laboratory hoods and personal protective equipment.
• Communicate with others in the building when working alone in the laboratory; let them know when you arrive and leave. Avoid working alone in the laboratory when performing high-risk operations.
• Use cautious judgment when leaving unattended operations: 1) post signs to communicate appropriate warnings and precautions, 2) anticipate potential equipment and facility failures, and 3) provide containment for release of hazardous chemicals.
• Assume that unknown materials are toxic, and that a mixture is more toxic than its most toxic compound.
• Know the location and proper use of emergency equipment, such as safety showers and fire extinguishers, and maintain clear access to this equipment.
• Label all chemical containers with the identity of the contents, hazard warnings, and chemical concentration.
• Use appropriate safety carriers (secondary containment) when transporting chemicals.

TMCC Facility staff working in the laboratories must follow the laboratory safety policies and the proper usage of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Emergency Contacts

• Environmental, Health, and Safety Office
  775-674-7951
  ehs@tmcc.edu
• Chemical Hygiene Officer
  775-674-7951
  bendavis@tmcc.edu
• Lab Coordinator
  775-674-7552
  jstevens@tmcc.edu
• Facilities Services
  775-673-7100
  facilities@tmcc.edu

After Hours Emergency Contact

• University Police Services
  775-784-4013
• Facility Services
  775-745-0262
• Emergencies dial 9 – 1 – 1
  911

Part II. Basic Laboratory Policies

General Lab Safety Rules

The following should be followed for all laboratory work.

Accidents and spills

• Eye Contact: Flush eyes for 15 minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Ingestion: Drink large amounts of water. Seek medical attention if necessary.
• Skin Contact: Flush affected area with water. Remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical attention if necessary.
• Spills: Promptly clean up spills following specific protocol, large spills are handled differently than small spills. Refer to the TMCC Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Plan for more information regarding spills.
• Reporting: Accidents and spills should be documented using an incident report.

Avoidance of exposure:

• Avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals.
• Do not smell or taste chemicals.
• Inspect personal protective equipment (PPE) before use.
• Do not release toxic substances into the air. Use an appropriate laboratory hood when using toxic and/or volatile chemicals.
• Only use chemicals when proper PPE is available.
• Do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum or apply cosmetics in the laboratory. Wash your hands before and after doing any of these activities.
• Do not store, handle or consume food or beverages in storage areas, refrigerators, glassware or utensils, which are also used for laboratory operations.
• Handle and store glassware with care.
• Do not use damaged glassware.
• Use equipment only for its designed purpose.
• Wash your hands, and any exposed areas, thoroughly before leaving the laboratory.
• Avoid playing around in the lab.
• Do not use mouth suction for pipetting or starting a siphon.
• Confine long hair and loose clothing.
• Wear closed-toed shoes at all times.

Part III. General Chemical Hygiene Practices

Written Standard Operating Procedures

Written Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) relevant to health and safety concerns are required for laboratory operations involving hazardous chemicals.

Laboratory supervisors are responsible for developing laboratory-specific SOPs that cover the hazards present in their laboratory. The laboratory-specific SOPs should supplement, rather than duplicate, the general SOP's contained in this document.

A risk-based approach should be used to identify laboratory-specific SOP topics including:

• The use of carcinogens and reproductive toxins, and highly acutely toxic chemicals (see supplement Chapter 3, Carcinogens, Reproductive Toxins, and Highly Acutely Toxic Chemicals).
• Frequently performed procedures.
• Chemicals that are used frequently or in relatively large amounts.
• Higher risk, non-chemical hazards.

Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Flammable and combustible liquids are classified according to their flash point.

• Flammable liquids having a flash point of less than 100°F
• Combustible liquids having a flash point greater than 100°F

Both flammable and combustible liquids are considered fire hazards. Procedures should be implemented in order to reduce the fire risk associated with these materials (see supplement Chapter 4, Safe Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids).

• Fire extinguishers appropriate for the fire hazards present must be available in all laboratories and storage areas.
• Class D fire extinguishers must be available in the immediate work area when working with flammable metals such as magnesium, sodium, and potassium.
  • Contact Facilities Operations and Capital Planning at 673-7100 to inquire about Class D fire extinguishers.
  • When using only small quantities of flammable metals, dry sand can be used to smother a fire; however, dry graphite must be used to extinguish lithium fires.

Highly Reactive Chemicals

Highly reactive chemicals include those that have the potential to vigorously polymerize, undergo a vigorous condensation or oxidation-reduction reaction, or become self-reactive due to shock, pressure, temperature, light, or contact with another material. Examples of highly reactive chemicals are explosives, peroxides, water-reactive, and pyrophoric.

• All work involving highly reactive chemicals must be approved by the CHO prior to purchase and by the lab supervisor before initiation of the work. Lab attendees should be told when work with highly reactive chemicals is being conducted.

Minimize the quantity of reactive chemicals used or synthesized to the smallest amount needed.

Organic Peroxides

As a class, organic peroxides are one of the most hazardous chemicals commonly used in the laboratory. Most organic peroxides are sensitive to heat, impact, friction, light and readily react with oxidizing and reducing compounds, and are highly flammable. Since the sensitivity and instability of these compounds vary, always thoroughly review the properties of specific compounds prior to their use.

• Do not use metal spatulas, stirring bars, or other metal items to handle peroxides, as metal contamination can lead to explosive decomposition.

Many chemicals can undergo auto-oxidation to form explosive peroxides. Peroxide-forming compounds contain a reactive hydrogen atom that is “activated” by adjacent structural components. Please review the information in supplement Chapter 5, Peroxide-Forming Chemicals if you use chemicals that can form peroxides.

Corrosive Chemicals

Corrosive chemicals cause destruction of tissue through chemical action at the point of contact.Corrosive chemicals can be liquids, solids, or gases; consequently, corrosive effects can affect the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Examples of corrosive chemicals include liquids such as acids and bases, bromine, and hydrogen peroxide; gases such as chlorine and ammonia; and solids such as phosphorous and phenol.

Allergens

Exposure to a chemical allergen can result in immunological sensitization to the chemical or close structural analogs. Once sensitization to a chemical occurs, subsequent exposure to extremely low doses of the chemical produces an allergic reaction (for example, skin rash or asthma). Examples of compounds that may cause sensitization in some individuals are diazomethane, various isocyanates, formaldehyde, and benzylic and allylic halides.

Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used when working with corrosive chemicals and allergens. Please refer to supplement Chapter 6, Corrosive Chemicals and Allergens before working with corrosive chemicals and allergens.

Cryogenic Liquids

Cryogenic liquids are materials with a boiling point of less than -100°F; common examples include liquid nitrogen, helium, and argon, and dry ice/alcohol slurries.

Cryogenic liquids undergo large volume expansion upon transition to the gas phase, for example, one volume of liquid nitrogen vaporizes to 694 volumes of nitrogen gas. Consequently, the warming of a cryogenic liquid in a sealed container produces high pressure, which can rupture the container.

Hazards of cryogenic liquids include fire (in the case of flammable or oxidizing materials), pressure buildup, explosion, as well as severe frostbite (on contact with skin) and asphyxiation (due to depletion of available oxygen).

Additionally, cryogenic liquids such as liquid nitrogen have boiling points below that of oxygen and are capable of condensing atmospheric oxygen, resulting in a localized, oxygen-enriched environment through formation of liquid oxygen. Liquid oxygen in combination with many organic (oxidizing) materials can result in a violent reaction.

Note: If you work with any cryogenic liquids please review supplement Chapter 7, Cryogenic Liquids and Compressed Gases.

Compressed Gases

Compressed gases are considered more hazardous to handle than liquids or solids because of the high pressure involved and the ability of the gas to spread rapidly when released. Additionally, many compressed gases are flammable, toxic or corrosive.

• Compressed gas cylinders must be transported using hand-trucks or other appropriate means. NEVER TRANSPORT UNSECURED COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS.

Note: If you work with any compressed gases please review supplement Chapter 7, Cryogenic Liquids and Compressed Gases.

Carcinogens, Reproductive Toxins, and Highly Acutely Toxic Chemicals

Carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and chemicals with high acute toxicity are considered high-risk materials and are classified by OSHA as “Particularly Hazardous Substances.”

A listing of several common laboratory chemicals that are known carcinogens, reproductive toxins, or which have high acute toxicity is provided to assist laboratory workers in identifying particularly hazardous substances.

Anyone working with high-risk materials must seek prior approval from the Lab Safety Committee. Please refer to supplement Chapter 3, Carcinogens, Reproductive Toxins and Highly Acutely Toxic Chemicals.

Procedures involving particularly hazardous substances that are thought to have potential for significant exposure to personnel under normal operations must be conducted in a designated area.

Always use the smallest amount of chemical that is consistent with the requirements of the work to be performed. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used when working with particularly hazardous substances.

Part IV. Department/Lab Specific Chemical Hygiene Practices

Classroom Lab Specific SOP's are maintained by faculty responsible for conducting lab exercises and are routinely reviewed by the Laboratory Safety Committee.

Prep Lab SOP's are maintained by the Physical Sciences Department are available in the Prep Lab.

Part V. Administrative Provisions Communication of Chemical Hazards

Safety Data Sheets

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are chemical hazard information sheets designed to provide users with the information necessary to handle the chemical safely. OSHA regulations require that chemical manufacturers and vendors supply SDS's to chemical users, and that workers have ready access to SDS's.

All Safety Data Sheets (SDS's) received with incoming hazardous chemicals must be retained and made available to employees. Copies (preferably electronic) are to be added to the chemical SDS Inventory.

Before using a new chemical, laboratory workers should review the SDS. Consequently, all laboratory workers must know the location of the SDS's that are maintained by the laboratory, and how to obtain SDS's covering additional chemicals used in the laboratory.

SDS's may not always provide adequate chemical hazard information and do not cover nonchemical hazards, therefore additional sources of hazard information must be available to laboratory workers.

Please refer to supplement Chapter 8, Communication of Chemical Hazards, for more information and instructions.

Chemical Labeling

The original labels on manufacturer's containers must not be defaced or removed.

If the original label is missing or is illegible, it must be replaced with a label containing the above information.

Secondary Containers
Chemicals that are transferred from their original container to a secondary storage container must be labeled with the chemical name and appropriate hazard warnings consistent with the original label.

Temporary chemical containers (such as beakers, volumetric flasks, and reaction vessels) in active use require only a content identifier label; however, hazard warnings are recommended for reagents that are highly toxic, highly flammable, or which have other significant hazards.

Containers of chemical mixtures that have been prepared in the laboratory for use as reagents (such as buffers, or dilute acid or base solutions) must be labeled with the chemical constituents.

Please refer to supplement Chapter 9, Communication of Chemical Hazards, for more information and instructions.

Chemical Procurement

Understand the proper handling, storage and disposal of the chemicals.

Do not accept a container without an adequate identifying label.

Whenever possible, choose chemicals that minimize hazards such as toxicity, flammability, and reactivity. Order only the volume of chemical needed.

It is recommended that chemical containers be labeled with the date of receipt and the date opened.

Chemical Distribution

Chemicals should be carried in an unbreakable secondary container.

Chemicals must be properly labeled.

Avoid carrying chemicals through crowded halls or in elevators with passengers.

Chemical Storage

Stockrooms/storerooms

• Chemicals should be segregated and stored according to their hazard classification and compatibility.
• A chemical inventory must be maintained for all chemicals stored in the laboratory. Each laboratory should perform periodic (at least annually) inspections of their chemical inventory.
• Chemical storage areas should be locked when authorized personnel are not present.
• Higher risk chemicals (highly toxic, flammable, or reactive) should be stored in unbreakable secondary containers.
• Storage of chemicals on the floor should be minimized and storage of glass chemical containers on the floor should be avoided.
• Chemical storage cabinets should be secured to a wall or other structure to avoid tipping over.

Laboratory Storage

• Amounts stored should be as small as possible.
• Storage on bench tops and in hoods is not advisable.
• Exposure to heat or direct sunlight should be avoided.
• Periodic inventories should be conducted and unneeded items discarded or returned to the storeroom.

Storage of Flammable and Combustible Liquids

• Guidelines must be used for the safe storage of flammable and combustible liquids. Refer to supplement Chapter 9, Chemical Storage, for more information.

Environmental Monitoring

• Regular instrumental monitoring of airborne concentrations is not usually justified or practical in laboratories. Please call EHS if you have concerns regarding environmental monitoring.

Housekeeping

• Laboratories should be kept neat. Benches, floors, hoods, shelves and store rooms should be kept clean and organized.
• Chemicals and supplies should be put away when not in use.
• Dishes should be cleaned regularly.
• Floors should be cleaned regularly.
• Spills must be cleaned up promptly.
• Equipment should be kept clean and in working order.

Inspections

• Formal housekeeping and chemical hygiene inspections should be conducted at least each Spring and Fall semester for high traffic units and those with high personnel changes. Semi-annually for other units.
• Informal inspections should be conducted on a continual basis, at least monthly.

Eyewashes and Shower Maintenance

Emergency eyewash inspection, testing, and maintenance are conducted according to ANSI / ISEA Z358.1-2014. Inspection of the eye wash and shower stations are the responsibility of the department. Formal inspections are to be conducted annually. Weekly activation inspections shall be logged on a form located at each station with the date, time and inspector's name, or electronically. All deficiencies are to be immediately reported. No laboratory activities are to resume until the wash stations(s) is returned to service.

Individual users (departments or laboratories) will flush eyewashes on a weekly basis to verify performance and to reduce the threat of microbial infection (an operating time of three to five minutes is recommended).

Other safety equipment should be inspected regularly by lab personnel and documented and archived for future reference.

Maintenance personnel should contact the Laboratory Coordinator before working in laboratories and/or on laboratory equipment.

Passageways

Stairways and hallways should not be used as storage areas.

Access to exits, emergency equipment, and utility controls should never be blocked

Medical Program

Regular medical surveillance is generally not necessary as our program does not rise to the level of toxicologically significant quantities. Please contact EHS if you have concerns regarding medical surveillance.

The TMCC Police Department employs personnel trained in first aid. Please call the police department for medical assistance, 775-674-7900

In the case of an emergency, dial 911

Protective Apparel and Equipment

Laboratories must contain a fire extinguisher. Please contact EHS or Facility Operations for questions regarding fire extinguishers.

A telephone should be available nearby. Please call EHS if you do not have readily available access to a telephone.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used to supplement engineering controls (such as laboratory ventilation) and good work practices, and is an important component of laboratory safety.

• Eye protection (safety glasses or goggles) should be worn at all times in the laboratory, even if you are not currently involved in any “hands on” work.
  • Safety glasses require side shields.
• Hand Protection: There are a variety of glove materials available; however, no one glove material is resistant to permeation by all chemicals. When significant chemical contact (significant because of toxicity, corrosivity, chemical volume or contact time) is expected, specific chemical resistant gloves should be selected based on their resistance to the chemicals in use.
• Body Protection: It is highly recommended that laboratory workers always wear a buttoned lab coat when handling chemicals.
• Foot Protection: Laboratory workers should always wear low-heeled shoes with fully covering “uppers.” Shoes with open toes, open heels or with uppers constructed of woven material are not recommended.
• Respiratory Protection is not normally required during laboratory operations if the work is performed in a properly functioning laboratory hood.
  • Prior approval from EHS is required whenever personnel are required to, or voluntarily wear any respirator, including N-95 filtering face piece respirators. In these circumstances, all personnel must be medically evaluated, fit-tested, and trained prior to using respiratory protection.
  • Voluntary Use of Respirators: Some personnel may want to voluntarily wear a dust mask (filtering face piece) or other respirator in the absence of a recognized inhalation risk, regulatory requirement, or administrative requirement. In these circumstances, personnel are permitted to voluntarily wear a respirator; however, certain requirements must still be met so EHS must be contacted prior to voluntary use of respirators.

Please refer to supplement Chapter 10, Personal Protective Equipment, for more information and instructions.

Eyewashes and Safety Showers

All laboratories and chemical storage areas must have ready access to appropriate operating emergency eyewash and / or drench stations.

Safety showers are required in areas using corrosive materials.

Recommended maximum travel time for an affected individual (assume eyes have been splashed with chemical) is 10 seconds, with a maximum travel distance of 100 feet. Contact EHS for a determination on the necessity and placement of eyewashes and showers.

Please refer to supplement Chapter 11, Eyewash Fountains and Safety Showers, for more information and instructions.

Use of Laboratory Hoods

All chemicals, especially toxic and/or flammable chemicals, should be handled in a laboratory hood whenever it is reasonable to do so.

As a general guide, chemicals meeting the definition of “toxic,” or which have an exposure limit less than 50 ppm (or 0.25 mg/m3 for airborne particulate), should be used in a laboratory hood or other containment device that effectively controls exposures.

Note: Laboratory hood evaluations should be performed at least annually to ensure that ventilation performance measures are being met. Please notify EHS of all scheduled evaluations.

Laboratory hood performance should also be evaluated following any maintenance, repair, or modification that could affect ventilation performance.

Please review the information containing in supplement Chapter 12, Laboratory Ventilation, before using chemicals in the lab.

Records

Accident/Incident reports must be written and retained. Copies should be forwarded to the EHS department.

All safety training, including content and rosters must be archived.

Inventory and usage records for high-risk substances should be kept.

Medical records should be retained.

Chemical Hygiene Plan records should document reviews of current knowledge and regulations and any changes.

Signs and Labels

Prominent signs should be posted at entrances which contain contact information for the CHO, TMCC Police Department, and Facilities Operations and Capital Planning.

Doors, cabinets, equipment and designated areas should be labeled with relevant warning and hazard information.

Location signs should be posted for the safety equipment, first aids kits, and exits.

Food and beverage areas should be clearly posted.

Identification labels showing the contents of containers, including waste receptacles, and any associated risks.

Spills and Accidents

A written emergency plan should be established and communicated for each laboratory.

A spill control policy should be developed, which contains prevention, containment, cleanup and reporting protocols.

All accidents or near misses should be reported to EHS. EHS should report to the Laboratory Safety Committee, who should analyze the situation and distribute the results to concerned parties.

Information and Training

All individuals at risk must be adequately informed of the risks and hazards associated with their work. This process will include a job hazard analysis (JHA).

Each laboratory worker should know the location and proper use of the available protective apparel and equipment.

Full-time personnel in the laboratory should be trained in the proper use of emergency equipment and procedures.

Laboratory workers should be familiar with the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) relevant to their work. They should know where the SDS's are kept.

Training and education should be a regular, continuing activity. Laboratory workers should be trained at the start of employment and whenever SOP's or regulations are changed or whenever the laboratory supervisor deems it necessary.

Hazardous Waste Management Plan

The aim of the TMCC Hazardous Waste Management Plan (HWMP) is to minimize harm to life and the environment due to the disposal of chemical and related waste.

Unlabeled containers of chemicals and solutions should be disposed of following the procedures outlined in the HWMP.

Partially used, deteriorating or contaminated chemicals should not be opened. They should be disposed of following the procedures outlined in the HWMP.

Waste should be removed from laboratories to a central waste storage area within a reasonable amount of time, at least once per semester.

Laboratory personnel should not be treating chemical waste.

Do not pour hazardous waste chemicals down the drain.

Hoods should not be used as a means of disposal for volatile chemicals.

All containers prepped for waste disposal must be properly labeled with the chemical Name, volume, concentration, pH if applicable, date, and associated risks.